Disney sent me to Los Angeles on an all-expenses paid press trip, in exchange for my coverage of these events, which included attending the Thor: Ragnarok Press Conference. All opinions are my own.

Just when I didn’t think the #ThorRagnarokEvent could get any better, I got invited to the the Thor: Ragnarok press conference. What an experience to be that close to all the major stars along with other members of the press.

It was also another chance for us to chat with Marvel President Kevin Feige, Director Taika Waititi, Karl Urban and Rachel House.

One thing is for sure – this electrifying cast shares their passion for all things Thor! Keep reading to find out more fun facts about Thor: Ragnarok hitting theatres November 3rd.

***Warning: There are tiny spoilers ahead; however, no Hulk-sized spoilers!***

Inside the Thor: Ragnarok Press Conference

Chris, what makes this Thor different from the others?

“Taika Waititi, basically. I think we all had a vision, and an idea do something vastly different than what we’d done before. It all came from his crazy, wonderful brain and him pushing us every day on set. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had on a set and a film that I feel the most proud of.” – Chris Hemsworth

Taika, you brought an independent sensibility to this monstrous film, and gave and a little heart. What was the process like for you?

“I thought that Marvel had lost their minds. I knew my strengths were tone, character, and relationships. I had to ignore the scale of this monster, this beast – it’s a huge film. What can be distracting on set is if you look over your shoulder and see 300 people standing there. I had to keep reminding myself what’s more important is what’s inside the rectangle – it’s two or three people trying to remember their lines. So, it doesn’t matter the scale of the film – that’s always the same. I focused on what I was used to, which was what’s in front of the camera.” – Taika Waititi

Kevin, people are invested in these franchises and they love these characters. What made Taika and everybody else here the right fit?

“We wanted a new sensibility. Look at everything Chris has done as this character, there have been moments of humor throughout. We wanted to build on that. And if you look at the movie, it’s got the epic action. It’s got Thor arguably more powerful than he’s ever been in any of the films. At the same time embracing what Mr. Hemsworth does better than anyone up until now has ever been able to see, which is his acting chops expands to comedy in an amazing way. And Taika giving them the confidence to explore that and to try things.” – Kevin Feige

Where is Lady Sif in this film?

Kevin Feige jumps in, “I’ve been using ‘A Force Awakens’ quote today when people ask me that, and to say, ‘That’s a good question for another time.”

Jeff, what was it like to come into the Marvel universe?

In pure Goldblum style he answers, “Hello, Fantastic. Fantastic. I like the character and the opportunities in the character. Joining a group like this, a cast like this is a dream come true. I’m grateful, overwhelmingly grateful.”

Cate, how was it fighting with Chris?

Blanchett said, ” I didn’t do enough of it. I kept wanting to do more.”

Hemsworth added, “You wanted to hit me.”

Blanchett said, “It was hugely enjoyable for me. Apart from working with these guys, the chance to finally, in my deep middle age, get fit, and to wear that much lycra was really exciting for me. I worked with Chris’ trainer, Zahki for 20 minutes a day, which doesn’t sound like much, but my God, it was intense.”

Tom, we see a change in Thor. Could there be a change in Loki?

Hiddleston answers, “I did ask Taika if I could get a haircut. But his answer was a quick, ‘No.’ The development of the relationship between Thor and Loki is – Thor has evolved, grown, and matured. While, Loki in a way is stuck in his struggles of the past. In a way, that’s the challenge for Loki in this. He’s got to confront the fact that time is moving on, and people change. There’s room to grow and I’m still here. We’ll see where he goes next.”

Are there any Easter eggs that we can look forward to?

Feige confirms, “There might be some things in the trash piles. The biggest Easter eggs are on the side of the Sakaran Palace. There are previous Grandmaster champions that we see, as one for Hulk is being constructed, and those are all sort of Easter eggs for the deeper comic universe – that may or may not ever show up in the cinematic universe, but we thought it’d be fun to celebrate.”

Waititi adds, “In the trash pile, there is one Easter egg, an actual egg.”

Laughter erupts of course!

The press conference could have lasted another hour and it would’ve seemed like minutes. The Thor: Ragnarok cast has chemistry that can’t be faked. You can tell they genuinely enjoy themselves both on and off screen.

Be sure to entertain yourself by reserving your tickets now to see Thor: Ragnarok in action!